Our recommendation for our dose of live soul and acoustic goodness.

Sydney artist MILAN will be performing a rare acoustic show at the basement of PLAY BAR in Surry Hills with support from ALEX GIBSON and DJ SET from KRYSTEL DIOLA.

Entry is free with music kicking off from 8pm.

MILAN /

It is only over the past two years that 24 year old Milan’s songwriting voice and sound has crystallised. In Mid 2013 (after completing her first two demo’s) Milan signed with Universal Publishing in Australia and has since made numerous trips to the US to work with an array of producers and songwriters. Her Debut EP Glassy Eyes, released in February 2014, was quick to receive industry recognition from radio support (BBC Radio 1), blog support (The Music, Indie Shuffle, Pages Digital), from festivals (Sydney Festival, Fringe Festivals, Soul Fest) as well as performing at the Alicia Keys/John Legend Arena show. Milan was then named the “Next Big Thing” by the Sydney Morning Herald in 2014.

Showcasing her impossible electric guitar runs, her trademark sultry dreamscape voice, effortlessly playing synths & samples via her iPad, Milan also musically directs her live show which Booking Agency New World Artists describe in a word : Hypnotic. When composing her songs Milan (who holds a Diploma in Sound Engineering & Production) also makes the beats, plays the keys, synths, bass, records and mixes and is across the production of each of her songs. With that skill set in mind she still prefers a collaborative process for most of her compositions and has consequently formed great friendships with a plethora of world class producers and songwriters.

From a lyrical perspective, Milan plays her cards close to her chest – her songs draw on life experiences, family relationships and stories from her years of working and growing up in Sydney’s Inner West, but her storytelling is often cryptic and open to interpretation. Topics like love, loss, depression, drugs and addiction weave through her words. Passages of rap-influenced double-time singing, mixed with strong and soulful hooks show the influence of the black music of North America, but her voice is still distinctly Australian.

Currently back in Oz, Milan has been cultivating her song writing and production, but with things bubbling away in the US she has decided to take a huge leap away from her home in Sydney to create her much anticipated debut album and set sail for Los Angeles in 2015.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/milanmusic
Website: www.milanring.com
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/hernameismilan
Twitter: twitter.com/hernameismilan
Website: www.milanring.com

ALEX GIBSON /

Alex Gibson has rightly earned the reputation as one of Australia’s hardest working, most talented musical artists.

The Canberra-born performer rocketed to fame after being spotted busking and asked by producers to audition for Season 2 of The Voice in 2013. After a spine-tingling rendition of “Blackbird” he found himself being mentored by internationally-acclaimed artist Seal and progressed through the show to be a Top 12 finalist.

Alex has established a loyal fan base who have embraced his unique vocals and style which he describes as “mix between Folk, Soul, Blues, Jazz and Rock”. He cites Paul Simon, Steve Wonder and The Beatles among his musical influences.

In the time since The Voice Alex has again immersed himself into full promotion and development of his music, embarking on his first ever solo, 8 date tour across Australian cities (September 2013) and more recently a smaller four date tour (April/May 2014). Over the past few years, Alex has also frequently supported numerous touring artists including Diesel, The Black Sorrows, Kate Ceberano, Daryl Braithwaite, Mental as Anything, Deni Hines and Uncle Jed.

Alex is currently writing for his second album to follow up his highly acclaimed 2012 release This is Life. His first LP was launched to a packed house at Sydney’s iconic venue ‘The Basement’ and reached No. 2 on the Australian Singer Songwriter Charts.”

Website: www.alexgibsonmusic.com
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/alexgibsonmusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexgibsonmusic